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Eaten by a Shark – The pattern …. finally

May 4, 2015

A little later than planned, but here is my pattern for a shark tail. The shark was made when my son wanted a mermaid tail kind of thing like his sister had – but being a boy – didn’t actually want to be a mermaid (Mermaid tail pattern can be found here)!

(UPDATE – 28th July 2015 – I’ve found out this video is very quiet on YouTube. It’s being uploaded at 400% volume currently – should be there is a couple of hours hopefully! – I’ll post a link when it is – or look on my Youtube channel).

Finished items may be sold, but the pattern remains my property, I just ask that you give credit to me, Vicki Roberts at offthehookforyou.co.uk – and link this blog.

Here we go – my first real attempt at a pattern (for someone else to follow rather than me and my scribbles) – so please let me know if things don’t make any sense…….. PDF link at the bottom of the page before the comments section.

I made this with Aran weight wool (Grey) – and for 7 year old it took about 450g or about 1100 yards. This same yarn I used.

Tail – Using a 6mm hook – Make 2 Row 1 – FHDC 28 stitches Row 2- Chain 2, 25 HDC (leaving 2 not crocheted on the end), Ch2 Row 3- HDC back to the same place the previous row started. Ch2 Row 4 – 24HDC across, Ch2 Row 5 – HDC back to the same place the previous row started. Ch2 Continue this sequence (losing 2 stitches each 2 rows) until you are left with 12 stitches left. Make another exactly the same. Join 2 shorter edges together by either sewing or SC. Body of the Shark – 7.0mm Hook Row 1 – FHDC 35 – join together the top with a SS (producing a circle)

UPDATE – together with the little people we’ve made a video to show how to make the body bit of the shark. You can watch it here!

Row 2- Ch3, 2DC in the 1st stitch, skip 2 stitches, in the *third stitch 1 DC Cluster*. repeat the * until back to the beginning. SS over to the top of the chain 3. (12 DC Clusters)

Row 3- Ch3, 1DC, Ch1, 2DC over where you have SS. 1 DC cluster in the next 5 spaces. 2DC, Ch1, 2DC, 1 DC cluster in the next 5 spaces. SS over to top of ch3.

Row 4- Ch3, 2DC in same gap (over the SS join). In the next gap (which should be the 2dc ch1 2dc)- do a 2dc, ch 1 2dc, 1 DC cluster in the next 6 spaces (which puts you over the 2dc ch1 2dc gap again) do a 2dc ch 1 2dc, followed by 1 DC cluster in the next 5 spaces, SS over. (Row 3 is basically repeated – but the number of DC clusters each side varies to ensure the 2dc ch1 2dc are all in the same place) Row 5- Ch3, 2DC in same gap (over the SS join). 1Dc cluster. In the next gap (which should be the 2dc ch1 2dc)- do a 2dc, ch 1 2dc, 1 DC cluster in the next 7 spaces (which puts you over the 2dc ch1 2dc gap again) do a 2dc ch 1 2dc, followed by 1 DC cluster in the next 5 spaces, SS over.

Row 6 – Ch3, 2DC in same gap (over the SS join). 2Dc cluster. In the next gap (which should be the 2dc ch1 2dc)- do a 2dc, ch 1 2dc, 1 DC cluster in the next 8 spaces (which puts you over the 2dc ch1 2dc gap again) do a 2dc ch 1 2dc, followed by 1 DC cluster in the next 5 spaces, SS over.

Row 7- Ch3, 2DC in same gap (over the SS join). 3Dc cluster. In the next gap (which should be the 2dc ch1 2dc)- do a 2dc, ch 1 2dc, 1 DC cluster in the next 9 spaces (which puts you over the 2dc ch1 2dc gap again) do a 2dc ch 1 2dc, followed by 1 DC cluster in the next 5 spaces, SS over.

Row 8 – Ch3, 2DC in same gap (over the SS join). 4Dc cluster. In the next gap (which should be the 2dc ch1 2dc)- do a 2dc, ch 1 2dc, 1 DC cluster in the next 10 spaces (which puts you over the 2dc ch1 2dc gap again) do a 2dc ch 1 2dc, followed by 1 DC cluster in the next 5 spaces, SS over. (Stop increasing here for a 3-4 year old – 31cm diameter).

Row 9 – Ch3, 2DC in same gap (over the SS join). 5Dc cluster. In the next gap (which should be the 2dc ch1 2dc)- do a 2dc, ch 1 2dc, 1 DC cluster in the next 11 spaces (which puts you over the 2dc ch1 2dc gap again) do a 2dc ch 1 2dc, followed by 1 DC cluster in the next 5 spaces, SS over. (Stop increasing here for a 4-5 year old – 34cm diameter).

Row 10 – Ch3, 2DC in same gap (over the SS join). 6Dc cluster. In the next gap (which should be the 2dc ch1 2dc)- do a 2dc, ch 1 2dc, 1 DC cluster in the next 12 spaces (which puts you over the 2dc ch1 2dc gap again) do a 2dc ch 1 2dc, followed by 1 DC cluster in the next 5 spaces, SS over. (Stop increasing here for a 5-6 year old – 37cm diameter).

Row 11 – Ch3, 2DC in same gap (over the SS join). 7Dc cluster. In the next gap (which should be the 2dc ch1 2dc)- do a 2dc, ch 1 2dc, 1 DC cluster in the next 13 spaces (which puts you over the 2dc ch1 2dc gap again) do a 2dc ch 1 2dc, followed by 1 DC cluster in the next 5 spaces, SS over. (Stop increasing here for a 7-8 year old – 39.5cm diameter).

Row 12 is repeated until you get to the desired length (height) of the shark before the mouth. for a 7-8 year old – this was 55 rows! Finish off.

Jaws – 7.0mm hook (A video has been made to help and can be found here)

Lie the body flat so the 2dc ch 1 2dc are on either edge (This shows you where mouth should go). Find the middle cluster (vertical down the centre – mark with a stitch marker) and join your yarn. My pattern now only describes to 7-8 year old version – Just reduce by 2 stitches for each decrease in size).

Row 1 – Ch 3 2dc in same space, 1 dc cluster in the next 15 gaps. Turn – ss over the top of the last DC Cluster.

Row 2 – Ch 3 2dc in same space, 1 dc cluster in the next 14 gaps. Turn – ss over the top of the last DC Cluster.

Row 3 – Ch 3 2dc in same space, 1 dc cluster in the next 13 gaps. Turn – ss over the top of the last DC Cluster. Keep reducing this way until you have 3 DC Clusters left. Fold these in half and SC along them to join together to produce a snout. Smaller jaw – Leave 2 DC cluster gaps either side of the larger jaw – and repeat as per the larger jaw. Finish off.

Blood – 7.0mm hook Change to red – I didn’t have any aran weight yarn – so use 2 strands of double knitting. Go around the edges of the jaws and the gaps with HDC, about 3 HDC per cluster – but this really isn’t important. Finish off.

Teeth – 7.0mm hook. These are done in bobble/ Puff stitch. Change to white (again I used 2 strands of a white double knitting). *Bobble stitch, Slip stitch on the inside on the gums so it’s not seen 3 stitches), bobble stitch* all the way round. Eye – 6.0mm hook – make 2 (Using 2 strands of Double knitting in each colour)

With Black Magic ring, 8 SC in the ring, SS over 2SC in each stitch, SS over *2SC in 1 st stitch, the 1 SC* – repeat* to the beginning of the circle. Change to white, *2 HDC in 1 st, 1 HDC in next 2 stitches* to the beginning of the circle.

Sew on the tail at the bottom – folding the sides in to fit the hole at the base. Position the fin and sew to the main body, and add eyes. Finished items may be sold, but the pattern remains my property I just ask that you give credit to me, Vicki Roberts at offthehookforyou.co.uk – and link this blog. Voila – you should have a shark – now you just need a child to be ‘eaten’ by it! I’d love to know what you think – and if you make one – see any pictures! You can email me at offthehookforyou@gmail.com

Shark Pattern Offthehookforyou – here is the link to a PDF version of the pattern – only 4 or 5 pages – hope this helps you all out (and we save some trees!).

Thank you! Love this pattern… i tried something a little different with the tail… i ran needle with yarn and gathered…then stitched it on bottom….came out sooooo cute! Would attach pic but can’t figure out how to … lol

Hello, in the Chain 1 space between the 2 dc’s either side – do 2dc, ch1, 2dc. This is where your increase to get it wider happens. On every round in this chain one gap (each side of the circle) – is where you do 2dc’s, ch1, 2dc’s. Does this make it clearer?

Sorry I’m having a hard time understanding this part “Fold these in half and SC along them to join together. Smaller jaw – Leave 2 DC cluster gaps either side of the larger jaw – and repeat as per the larger jaw”…where does it fold, side ways or down way

Hi, All it means – it that when you are down to the just having 3 DC clusters – in order to make the snout the correct shape. Just fold them inwards and sew together (So it’ll give you a right angle basically).

The bottom jaw – is made the same as the top jaw -but you need to leave a gap of 2DC clusters when you start the smaller jaw from where the big jaw starts and finishes on the original round, (and then the same the other side 2 DC clusters). Hope that helps?

So for the jaw if I understand i just fold the last 3dc cluster and sc,Also the small jaw I leave 2cluster between before starting and do I do the same amount of cluster not sure I really understand that either, TY for your pattern and help

Hi, I’ve gone in had a look and adjusted as needed (Hopefully). When I wrote the pattern out it was all nicely spaced and hopefully less taxing on the eyes – but looking at it now – it had all been condensed! I’ve tried to separate it a bit and I’ve adjusted the row numbers. Let me know if that sorts it out? Thanks Vicki

It’s written up in my shorthand, if you can give me a couple of days I’ll try and get it written up properly. We’ve been camp[ing with no phone signal anywhere (and then I dropped my phone in a dog water bowl…. so it doesn’t work at all). I did the mermaid one first, what size did you need so I can type that one up first – or at least tell you what to do!

When I first saw the shark, I immediately thought it would be cool to make this as a mermaid, and my girls would love it! Thrilled that you’ve done this as a mermaid first. Yes, I would love to get the pattern too, for sizes 7 years and 9 years old. Thanks!!

I think so in regards to Aran weight vs worsted weight. I used one 200g, then probably 150g of the next. It does depend on what size you make though – this was for my 7 year old. Hook size -I started with a 6 I think for the fins. then went up to a 7 for the body so it was faster (I get bored easily!). The blog post does state what size hook etc, I’d love to see pictures when you’ve finished?

Thanks for the information!!! I looked for the hook and yarn size but I must have missed it. I ended up with some really interesting yarn for the body, so hopefully it will turn out well. I have no idea when I will get finished (hopefully soon because I need to make two mermaid lapgans also!), but I will post a photo when I am done.

I am using Loops & Thread Phat yarn for the body. It is size 6, super bulky, 150g.

Hi, For adults – I’d start it exactly the same, but then just keep increasing for a few more rounds (maybe get another 16 clusters) – then just make it a lot longer. I think it depends on what size the adult is!!! It’s hard to judge as I’d need a smaller one than my husband!

That’s exactly what I was about to ask. I’ve been asked to make one. I normally do only crochet toys, so this blanket will be an adventure for me. When I make my toys if I want it larger I use a bigger hook and 2 strands of yarn, I’m wondering if the same principle would work with this?

Reblogged this on Crochet Rox and commented:
THis is awesome!!! A free pattern for the shark blanket that is taking over facebook from Off the Hook for you !! Thank you Vicki Roberts for sharing your talent with us!!

You are quite welcome. I’m sharing it on my blog, my business page and personal page. I am sorry you are being copied. Pattern piracy makes me ill. We are supposed to support each other, not steal from each other.

Your pattern is amazing, and you are too kind to put out a pdf pattern. Keep up the great work, I can’t wait to see your next design!!!

Hi, So it’s sealed at the end….. but – if was to scale up for walking in and for an adult.

I’d start with a bigger FDHC row – at least 50, if not more, then do the increasing as per my pattern, until it’d be the size of your daughters hips (is a size 2 a 6UK)? In which case – you’d probably be ok with stopping at the 7 year old size for increasing. Then make the tail fin as normal, but instead os stitching to both sides of the round, just sew on one side! Viola – Her legs should be able to fit through the hole at the bottom and she should be able to walk hopefully! I’d love to see a picture when you’ve made it!

Great pattern!! I’m just stuck on round 3 of the body. When you say 2dc, ch1, 2dc, 3dc cluster in the next 5 spaces. Can you explain it just a little more. Are they all in one space? Or the 2,1,2 in one and the cluster in the next?

No printer friendly version?? 18 pages, most only having a sentence or two is ridiculous as i need to make a few copies for friends. (that was using copy and paste, the ONLY way to print this pattern).
It’s really cute and you did a really great job on the one in the pics, but I’ll probably have to find another site to use for patterns. sorry

Just curious, has anyone adapted this pattern for adults? I am interested in adult sizes for this pattern. I am by no means a crocheter but have means to get this made I just need larger dimensions. Thanks for any help.

I’m so excited to try this pattern. I have a four year old grandson obsessed with sharks right now. You know it was just shark week on cable! So I will be trying one for him and a matching one for his father! Thank you for the pattern! It is awesome!!!!

I’m excited to make some of these shark tails for nephews for Christmas! However, I’m in the US, and there is no 7mm crochet hook! I am figuring I need to use a size K (6.5mm), rather than an L (8.0mm), would that be correct? Will I need to adjust foundation chain size? I’m using Caron one pound worsted weight yarn. Each skein is 453.6g, approx 742 m/ 812 yd. I’ve got 2 skeins per tail. Figuring I’ll have extra. Thoughts? Thanks so much for making this pattern free!

Hi, Glad you like my pattern! I used a 7mm hook to make it quicker! So I think you could use either hook depending on how holey you want it to (and how quick you want to make them as the 8mm would be quicker but would come out a bit bigger!).

I’d keep with the 35 FHDC size listed, and then just measure when you get to the size you want to see how much bigger or smaller it is from my measurements (on the pattern) – then you can stop increasing (if you use a bigger hook) or keep increasing for the 6.5mm hook to get them about the same size! As it’s not completely fitted like a garment I don’t think it’ll matter too much. Hope this helps. I’d love to see a photo when you’ve made them. Vicki

Can you tell me how many total rows each tail should be when you reach the final 12 stitches? I seem to not be losing 2 stitches every 2 rows. I.E row 3, you 2 ch and 25 hdc? Row 5, ch 2 and 24 hdc? Etc.. Are you able to post a photo of the side that is being reduced? Thanks!

Hello! I am loving this pattern but on Row 12 (or the stop increasing row) – Ch3, 2DC in same gap (over the SS join).1 DC cluster in each gap, ss to join.

Row 12 is repeated until you get to the desired length (height) of the shark before the mouth. for a 7-8 year old – this was 55 rows! Finish off. So in the 2dc chain 1 2dc stitch . But row 122 there is no more 2dc chain 1 e mire dc

Row 3- Ch3, 1DC, Ch1, 2DC over where you have SS. 1 DC cluster in the next 5 spaces. 2DC, Ch1, 2DC, 1 DC cluster in the next 5 spaces. SS over to top of ch3.
i am confused with this am i suppose to ch3 1dc ch1 2dc in the ss space?? and also after i do the clusters in the next 5 spaces am i suppose to do the 2dc ch1 2dc all in the same space or do i do them in seperate spaces?? i hope you understand my question . Thank you so much for these patterns i’m hoping to have one of the shark and of the mermaid for Christmas presents this year.

Hi! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this for us! I am really struggling with making the body. No links or links to videos show up on this page for me and the video would really really help me. Can you post that info in a comment? I have searched youtube and still can’t find it.

The 7-8 year old one has 16 DC Clusters for the top jaw. Just fold your shark body in half (with the increase sides in the middle of the body), and mark half way round. The for the bottom jaw -make sure you leave a gap of 1 DC Cluster between it and the op jaw.

Hi! Love the pattern! Made the whole shark, but I’m stuck on the tail… I made the two, but they look too big… I have a long straight edge, and the foundation chain and the other side is at an angle (looks like a right angle triangle). Is this supposed to be the shape? It really just looks too big! I didn’t know if I misread the pattern… Thanks!

I started “eaten by a shark” for my niece’s stepson. Started using Caron brand One Pound. After working for about a dozen rows, the blanket seems rough to me, shouldn’t it be soft? Any thoughts or ideas? Should I just scrap this and get another kind of yarn?

Oddly enough, I was able to go to Hobby Lobby today, and purchased the brand you recommended (“I Love This Yarn”)… the difference is like night and day! Thank you! I am much happier with the result… Also thank you for your patience!

Hello! I am about ready to do the jaws, but I am a bit lost on how you do it.. I am not very good at reading patterns. I do better at following along with a video, I was wondering are you planning on making a video on the jaws? If not would you at least think about it? I see that there is a few other people that are a little confused about it also.. Thank you

Hi, I’m hoping to make videos for the jaws and tail. It’s school holidays here so my time is very limited, unless I can persuade my kids to do the videoing for me! Which bit are you stuck on so I can focus on that? Vicki

Love the pattern but I too had problems understanding the jaws section. Just a suggestion maybe Pictures would help to on that step. It’s not clear to me where I need to fold in half thanks again fir the pattern! It’s great!

I just returned from Scotland and I spoke with the proprietor of a yarn shop in Dumbarton as I thought I might be able to pick some up before I left. Sadly she didn’t have any and wasn’t able to tell me what the Aran weight really is. You said worsted weight which to my understanding is 4-ply. Then you said probably a heavier weight of rather than light. What did you mean? I need to make two of these for Christmas for my grandchildren. Would doubling the 4-ply worsted weight work of would this make it too heavy? This was suggested by the proprietor of the yarn shop. Thank you.

In the UK we have 4ply which is thin, then double knitting, then we go up to Aran, chunky and super chunky. Where are you based? Having spoken to USA friends – I love this yarn from hobby lobby is thought to be the same- if a different country to this – let me know and I’ll see what other people have used. Does this help at all?

Thank you so much for getting back to me and so promptly. I live in Florida and we do have a Hobby Lobby as well as Michael’s and Joann’s. What is the name of the yarn from Hobby Lobby? I’m just afraid that if I double the 4-ply it will be too heavy.

To Toni from Florida. I went to Michael’s and got their yarn”Craft Smart Value” Yarn. It works great and is inexpensive. I bought 3 skeins @ 364 yds each. The Shark is done all I need to work on now is the Fins and tail. I made mine for a 6-7 year old.

Row 6 is pretty much the same as row 5. You just need to DC cluster until you get to the Ch 1 gap of the (2dc ch1 2dc) of the previous round and do the INC here (the 2 DC Ch 1 2 Dc) in this Ch 1 gap. Does this help?

I’m currently waiting for my tripod to come from Amazon – so a video will come in the next couple of days for the whole shark.

I’m catching up with bits today – we were on holiday last week hence the late replies…… no Wifi and minimal phone signal!

i really need to make a eaten by a shark project for my grandson, because i just completed knitting the mermaid for my granddaughter and I cannot find a kntiting pattern at all.
Need help as soon as possible.

Hi, I can’t believe I am saying this, but I can’t seems to get the tail right. Can you give me a stitch count? For example on row #3 where you say HDC back to the same place the previous row started….is that 26HDC? Thank you!

Hi, Not a silly question – a few people have asked! I recorded a video for you tube last week – it’ll be posted his afternoon/ evening hopefully. There is a link to my you tube channel top right next to facebook, twitter and instagram.

Not daft, I’d increase at least another 3 rows (maybe more), and the then just keep going pretty much until about waist height . The 55 rows were for my son who is 1m30cm. I’m sure I’ll get round to making an adult one soon!

I’d increase the body more to get it wider and increase the number of rows. I would make the tail bigger too and probably the fun after seeing how big the body but needs to be! It’s on my list to make -and write up – I just haven’t had time yet!

Hi – No video as yet, but it will come when I get to that point on the current shark I’m making! Basically it’s pretty much the same as one side of the tail….. just keep reducing until you no stitches left!

Hi, thank you for sharing your pattern. I’m a beginner and a bit confused after row 5 . After the ss join it says 2dc cluster then row 7 3 dc cluster, row 8 4dc cluster and so on. Can you help please x

You need to line up the increase so it happens in the ch1 space. The 2dc clusters of row 6 will get you to that gap, and then so on with 3dc clusters for row 7 etc. jut make sure you are ss and doing the first cluster over the gap you’ve just made with the ss.

Sorry for sounding stupid so does that mean fir example 4dc is 1dc cluster in the next 4 spaces – when I googled 4dc it looked like the dc were joined into one – as I said, just getting to grips with following a pattern x

Hi can you tell me do you start from the tail end when starting body and also instead of FHDC 35 can i chain 37 and then DC into them to make 35 , am new at reading patterns and have try doing it the way you say and don`t get on with it . thank you

Yes. I have measured a few times. I am thinking maybe I am not measuring right? I did 35 FHDC to start, that measures about 30 CM, 12 inches diameter. That is the bottom where I attach the fin, correct? Then I did 11 rows of increases. The rest of the body needs to be kind of wide to get his body inside right? At 39 cm would a 7 year old body fit in? When I measure I lay my piece flat, measure between the sides where I did increases, then double this number to get the diameter. Am I measuring incorrectly?

Hello, really fun pattern – thanks for sharing! I’m a little confused on the tail. I’ve watched the video and still can’t seem to get mine right. I start with 28 fhdc and decrease by two stitches every two rows, but by the time I get down to 12 stitches I have way too many rows!

In your video, one half of the tail has 11 rows, including the fdhc row. One half of my tail has 17 rows… any thoughts on what I’m doing wrong???

Hi, I’ve no idea what you might be doing – but it’s a simple as FHDC 28 (I think), then keep one side of the tail the same (no decreases), and the other side decrease by 2 stitches every other row when you get back to it. As long as you end up with 2 the same size it shouldn’t matter if they are bigger! I’d love to see the finished shark when he’s made? Thanks Vicki

I made this in an adult size for my daughter-in-law, it turned out excellent! I adapted it a little – it is about 40 clusters around and 71 rows long. At row 63 instead of keeping it in the round I opened it up and continued the rows back and forth so it had an opening (easier to get in and out). I put a couple of buttons so it can be closed. I also changed the teeth so they would be more pointed (sc,triple crochet, sc). I can’t wait to give it to her. Thank you so much!

I read through all of the comments to make sure someone else hadn’t said it already. 1st, great work on the pattern.

2nd, I can get lazy at times and hate sewing pieces together. I didn’t feel like making 2 parts for the tail. I ended up just reversing the instructions when I finished the 1st half of the tail.
For the parts that stop short of the last 2 stitches, I put a FHDC in the last stitch, then did another FHDC, then ch2. It worked pretty well for me 🙂

This may be the cutest thing I’ve ever crocheted. Thanks for the pattern and the videos (they helped a LOT). I think I made the tail fin wrong because I couldn’t get it to fit the way you showed in your picture, but when I read the comment about running a gathering stitch, I knew that would work. I gathered the bottom of the fin, and then tucked it into the opening and sewed it straight across. Perfect – easy – and adorable. I took a photo, but I’m not sure how to upload it. I’d be happy to share if you have an address or Facebook or perhaps “how to post photos in the comments for dummies” tutorial. 🙂

Hi Jean, Thank you so much for the comments! I glad you like the shark and the videos were helpful!
I’d love to see a photo – you can email it to offthehookforyou@gmail.com and if I can share on my FB page even better!

Thank you for this pattern.
I have just finished making one for my sons Secret Santa. This is the biggest project I’ve done to date. I found the instr rooms very easy to follow andntjinkbibhqve a success on my hands. I’ll find out of Saturday
Did you sew the bottom together or did you leave it open for little feet to poke out off?
I used a super soft twisted yarn so it is super cosy.
Thank you so much.

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Thanks for visiting, I'm Vicki, the face behind this blog.
I crochet things for my friends and family and design most things from scratch. Originally set up Off the Hook For You as a place I could store my many crochet designs (hence the name), and a bit of general chat about my family as a mum of 2 little people known here as the Blue one and the Pink one. I live in Hertfordshire in the UK, and love anything crafty, especially crochet!